GTI, Startimes, Sports Journalists Get Praises For Roles In NPFL Success

GTI, Startimes, Sports Journalists Get Praises For Roles In NPFL Success

Ibrahim Lateef

Investment partners and broadcast partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Sports Media have been commented for the very important roles they played in public acclaim of the league organisation for the 2023/24 season, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, the NPFL Chairman cited the partners, GTI Assets Management and Startimes as partners that have added value to making Nigerians enjoy the NPFL last season.

"This is the second season of working with GTI in providing financial support for the running of the league and creating a marketing strategy to attract investment in the league.

"Our Match Officials have been condemned to perform well because GTI has ensured timely payment of their indemnities and travel allowance as well as their accommodation and feeding such that they no longer have to depend on host clubs", explained Elegbeleye.

The League Chairman pointed to the broadcast partnership with Startimes as a fulfilment of a pledge he made at the end of the 2022/23 season, adding "It is commendable that despite the signing of the contract almost midway into the season, Startimes were able to produce 76 live matches. It would have been more, but for some logistics challenges beyond their control, and the next season will see them producing more games for the growing NPFL fan base, "he assured.

He described the Sports Media as symbiotic partners whose roles are indispensable. "Our relationship with the Sports Media is mutually beneficial because we offer very important roles to each other. The media needs our content to generate news and followers while we enjoy the publicity they bring to our games and exposure for our players", declared Elegbeleye and promised that "the NPFL will under my leadership continue to collaborate with the media in projecting the league".

There has been a consensus that the just-ended season witnessed an uptick in fan attendance, near hitch-free organisation and enhanced live production for television broadcasts.

Rangers International of Enugu emerged champions with a game in hand after beating Bendel Insurance 2-0 in Enugu on Matchday 37 and proceeding to win 2-1 against Gombe United in Jos on the last day where they were handed the trophy in a colourful ceremony watched by Governors of Plateau and Enugu States.